Round 15 failed to shed light on the six sides that will be competing for September glory, while the top four has clinched finals berths, fifth and sixth spot on the ladder are still up for the taking and there are seven sides still in the running.
Avenel is well placed to secure one of the coveted spots remaining, however, faltered against fourth-placed Rushworth on Saturday to leave the door ajar for the rest of the competition.
Playing at Avenel Recreation Reserve, the Swans suffered a 34-41 defeat at the hands of the Tigers, with the Swans (6-7) only keeping hold of sixth spot courtesy of their percentage, although they do have a game in hand over their nearest rivals.
The loss makes it three straight defeats for the Swans, who can’t afford to drop any of their three remaining games, with so many rivals waiting to swoop on a misstep, while the Tigers (11-3) are well entrenched inside the top four following the win and remain a chance of stealing second if results go their way.
Stanhope has given itself every chance of qualifying for finals following a brilliant victory over fellow challenger Murchison-Toolamba on Saturday, with the Lions vaulting into seventh spot following the win.
Facing off at Murchison Recreation Reserve, Stanhope clinched a hard-fought 39-37 victory, improving to 6-8 for the season, level on wins with sixth-placed Avenel, while demoting the Hoppers (5-9) to 10th, one game back.
Violet Town has also kept itself in contention with a win over Undera, prevailing 34-26 at Undera Recreation Reserve to jump into eighth place with a 5-9 record, one game and percentage outside of the top six with two games remaining.
In the other Saturday contest, Nagambie continued its strong form to deny Longwood its first win of the season, romping to a big 54-27 victory at home, strengthening its grip on second spot.
With two games remaining, the Lakers (12-2) sit a win clear of Rushworth and Girgarre below, leaving them in the box seat to secure second behind Shepparton East if they can finish the season strongly.
Sunday had two games played, with ninth-placed Merrigum no match for reigning premier Girgarre, with the Roos claiming a 43-29 victory, while fifth-placed Tallygaroopna took on undefeated ladder leader Shepparton East, however, was unable to topple the Eagles, going down 27-42.
